An additional thirteen samples were received from the hard red winter harvesting area this past week.

Overall cumulative average numbers remain virtually unchanged with the addition of these samples. The crop remains strong in protein at 13.8% and grading #1 overall. Test weights are still remaining strong at 60.2 lb/bu (79.2 kg/hl).

Early Montana sample results reflect lower proteins than have been seen thus far with an average 11.9% (12% MB) for the samples out of the Shelby/Billings area. Thousand kernel weights are averaging just over 28 gm. Additional samples are anticipated out of Montana next week. Harvest is considered to be over 50% complete and progressing rapidly.

Overall, HRW harvest is nearing completion with remaining samples expected from Montana. The crop, in general, has been ahead of last year, with higher protein, variable thousand kernel weights and greater than 60.0 lb/bu (78.9 kg/hl) average test weights. Transitions have been reported to be, for the most part, uneventful.

A preliminary HRW summary report (updated last week) is available on USW's Crop Quality Report page.